Ariadne auf Naxos: opera in one act with a Prologue [DVD laserdisc] / music by Richard Strauss ; libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal ; [a film by Susan Froemke, Peter Gelb, Pat Jaffe ; a Metropolitan Opera Production of a Maysles' Film ; executive producer, Peter Gelb ; video director, Brian Large].

Ariadne auf Naxos. German [DVD laserdisc]

2 laser discs (154 min.) : s.d., stereo. ; 30 cm. + 1 booklet. (10 p.)

With historical notes by William Mann and a synopsis in English and French by Karl Dietrich Gräwe laid in container.

Set in the home of the "richest man in Vienna", two groups of musicians have arrived: one a burlesque group, the other an opera company. The first part of the opera is set backstage and concerns the preparations for performance, which are thrown into confusion when the Major-domo announces that both performances must take place at the same time. After an interval, the major part of the work begins. Ariadne is shown abandoned by Theseus on Naxos, bewailing her fate. Zerbinetta and her four companions from the burlesque group appear, and attempt to cheer Ariadne, but without success. Zerbinetta insists that the simplest way to get over a broken heart is to find another man. The nymphs Naiad and Dryad then announce the arrival of Bacchus on the island. He falls instantly in love with Ariadne and promises to set her in the heavens as a constellation.

Cinematography, Edward Lachman ; audio producer, Jay David Saks ; staged by Bodo Igesz ; set designer, Oliver Messel ; costume designer, Jane Greenwood ; lighting designer, Gil Wechsler ; musical preparation, Walter Taussig, Dennis Giauque, Susan Webb ; assistant stage directors, Paul Imbach, David Kneuss ; prompter, Susan Webb.

Sung in German ; with English subtitles.

This disc cannot circulate. It can only be played on the special laserdic player in the reading room of the library. Authorized users: students, teachers and staff of the National Theatre School of Canada.

LD 13